Melaleuca alternifolia
Bring home the refreshing look and scent of Tea Tree. Its fine, elegant foliage instantly lightens any corner, while its hardy nature makes it a reliable choice for bright indoor spaces, balconies, and gardens. With simple watering and occasional pruning, it stays lush, tidy, and beautifully green—perfect for modern home décor and welcoming entrances.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Tea Tree
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Shrub/Houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0778
Alternative Names:
شجرة الشاي
Paperbark Tea Tree
Narrow-leaved Tea Tree
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Melaleuca
Species: M. alternifolia
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to eastern Australia, primarily coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland.
Widely cultivated in Mediterranean, subtropical, and tropical regions for ornamental use and essential oil production.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Thin, needle-like, 1–3 cm long, aromatic when crushed.
Bark: White to pale brown, papery and peeling in layers.
Flowers: Bottlebrush-like clusters of white to cream-colored blooms appearing in spring to early summer.
Foliage: Fine-textured, light green, forming a dense, bushy canopy.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height (Indoor): Up to 1–2 m (3–6 ft).
Height (Outdoor): Up to 7 m (23 ft) if unpruned.
Spread: 1–3 m (3–10 ft) depending on pruning frequency.
Leaf Size: 1–3 cm long, ~1.5 mm wide.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to bright indirect light.
Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and aroma.
Tolerates light shade but may become leggy and less fragrant.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering; maintain evenly moist soil.
Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil mix.
Ideal pH: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
Potting mix: quality potting soil amended with sand or perlite for aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–25 °C (64–77 °F).
Tolerates down to 10 °C (50 °F); not frost-hardy.
Prefers moderate humidity; ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal risk.
10. Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring–summer).
Alternatively, apply slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent foliage burn.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Moderate.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape and encourage bushiness.
Remove dead or crossing branches; monitor regularly for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and insert into sandy cutting mix; keep moist and warm (21–24 °C) until rooted (4–8 weeks).
Seed propagation is possible but less common for home gardeners.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pests: scale insects, aphids, spider mites.
Diseases: powdery mildew in high humidity or poor air circulation.
Leaf drop or yellowing if exposed to cold drafts or water stress.
14. Benefits & Uses
Leaves yield tea tree oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Used in aromatherapy, skincare, and natural remedies.
Ornamental shrub for hedging, container gardening, and floral arrangements.
Fragrant foliage adds sensory appeal to indoor and outdoor settings.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts are mildly toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Use essential oil products according to dilution and safety guidelines.
Melaleuca alternifolia
Bring home the refreshing look and scent of Tea Tree. Its fine, elegant foliage instantly lightens any corner, while its hardy nature makes it a reliable choice for bright indoor spaces, balconies, and gardens. With simple watering and occasional pruning, it stays lush, tidy, and beautifully green—perfect for modern home décor and welcoming entrances.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Tea Tree
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Shrub/Houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0778
Alternative Names:
شجرة الشاي
Paperbark Tea Tree
Narrow-leaved Tea Tree
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Melaleuca
Species: M. alternifolia
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to eastern Australia, primarily coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland.
Widely cultivated in Mediterranean, subtropical, and tropical regions for ornamental use and essential oil production.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Thin, needle-like, 1–3 cm long, aromatic when crushed.
Bark: White to pale brown, papery and peeling in layers.
Flowers: Bottlebrush-like clusters of white to cream-colored blooms appearing in spring to early summer.
Foliage: Fine-textured, light green, forming a dense, bushy canopy.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height (Indoor): Up to 1–2 m (3–6 ft).
Height (Outdoor): Up to 7 m (23 ft) if unpruned.
Spread: 1–3 m (3–10 ft) depending on pruning frequency.
Leaf Size: 1–3 cm long, ~1.5 mm wide.
6. Light Requirements
Full sun to bright indirect light.
Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and aroma.
Tolerates light shade but may become leggy and less fragrant.
7. Watering Needs
Moderate watering; maintain evenly moist soil.
Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil mix.
Ideal pH: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).
Potting mix: quality potting soil amended with sand or perlite for aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–25 °C (64–77 °F).
Tolerates down to 10 °C (50 °F); not frost-hardy.
Prefers moderate humidity; ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal risk.
10. Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring–summer).
Alternatively, apply slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent foliage burn.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Moderate.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape and encourage bushiness.
Remove dead or crossing branches; monitor regularly for pests.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and insert into sandy cutting mix; keep moist and warm (21–24 °C) until rooted (4–8 weeks).
Seed propagation is possible but less common for home gardeners.
13. Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pests: scale insects, aphids, spider mites.
Diseases: powdery mildew in high humidity or poor air circulation.
Leaf drop or yellowing if exposed to cold drafts or water stress.
14. Benefits & Uses
Leaves yield tea tree oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Used in aromatherapy, skincare, and natural remedies.
Ornamental shrub for hedging, container gardening, and floral arrangements.
Fragrant foliage adds sensory appeal to indoor and outdoor settings.
15. Toxicity & Safety
All parts are mildly toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Use essential oil products according to dilution and safety guidelines.